Labor Day Dallas 2014
Cashed in some Starwood points and secured a room at aloft downtown. They gave us the BIG room!
The daughter had her own private area. She really appreciated that.
The boys had their own semi-private living room/bed area, we all appreciated that. On our third day in the room, #2 son announced "I thought this room was awesome, now it's just... regular". He keeps raising his standards, I can keep up.
We had a nice view of the Longhorn of Pioneer Park.
#1 son was fascinated with the safe. He locked his ipad up whenever we left the room.
W XYZ bar.
We spent the hot late afternoons cooling at the pool.
We had a better plan for the Perot Museum this trip, buy the early tickets and be there to line up before they open the gate.
#1 son did some lab experiments.
Kat had a mindmeld with a computer and used her brain to launch Ping-Pong balls.
State and Allen was a good spot to get together with friends for a liquid lunch (the burger and silver bowl salad were also good)
We attended Yelp Dallas Wanderlust party. Many free food offerings and open bars with minimal lines all over the place. They even had a lounge for us elite members where we could find a quiet place to relax and collect our gift bags. THANKS Yelp Dallas.
Kat took another mixology lesson at the party.
The Yelp Dallas Wanderlust party was an evening offering samples of culture from all over the world (60 vendors) ... all sorts of ethnic food, drinks, musicians and dance groups to entertain us. They even had a mime!
after a group of Indian Bollywood style dancers finished, I asked Kat "why are there no white-people or American dance groups, I don't think white people have a real dance (not counting that Irish river-dance, I'm sick of that). Kat thought for a minute and provided a good answer: Cheerleaders! That is the American dance troupe. or quite possibly break-dancing... that's what they need next year, break dancers.
1,500 people did RSVP to the event. they had four huge rooms filled with fun for everyone. Thanks Yelp Dallas.
We hiked Katy Trail and it was nice.
DMA- Dallas Museum of Art has free General Admission and a whole slew of fun things for kids.
#2 son said "I have an idea for a picture" regarding the giant mosaic (above).
#1 son mixing sounds to match the art.
#2 son made some art, an Army Guy.
We ate at both Meddlesome Moth and Lark on the Park. I later learned they are from the same owner. I can vouch for these places.
We noticed a V.E.P. version of Chartreuse ($45 a glass) at Lark on the Park. I'm not a fan of the green herbal stuff (tastes like freshly mowed lawn and cilantro/coriander). BUT, we were intrigued as to why it was so expensive. Our waiter said the bar manager LOVES to talk about Chartreuse and sent him over. He came with the bottle and two small glasses, poured us each a taste.
I puckered my face after the first sip (it's like regular chartreuse with more fennel, and stronger!). Matt (bar manager) explained, "once you get used to it, it's really good." The direct line between my brain and mouth had no buffer and blurted out "that sounds what somebody would say while trying to talk their partner into trying a### se#". Well, Matt just about fell over and Kat just about fell out of her seat. She was so embarrassed, she bought a glass of it. My punishment involved walking back to the car to add an extra hour to the meter, and I had to drink some of the V.E.P.
You learn pretty quickly to hold your breath and close your eyes as you bring the glass towards your face.
It all ended well.
Then we took a stroll around Klyde Warren Park. At nearly 10 PM it was still filled with people enjoying the park: people playing chess, kids on the playgrounds and fountains, people enjoying the free reading material provided by the Dallas Morning News... it was nice.
#1 son at the top.
#2 son chose this as his favorite building. (above)
The Eye.
We had brunch with my Dad at CBD Provisions. Their croissant is as good as those I enjoyed in Quebec! Migas were also pretty good.
We stopped at West, TX Czech Stop for Kolaches on the way home. Too many other people had the same idea. We survived and the kolaches are still the best I've ever had.
